A fire deemed as suspicious destroyed three-quarters of the historic El Rancho Motel on Tuesday night along Route 66 in Barstow, California. The three-alarm blaze forced the closing of about a quarter-mile of Main Street in the city, but no injuries were reported. The Victorville Daily Press in nearby Victorville had some details after the … Continue reading Suspicious fire destroys much of El Rancho Motel in Barstow
Author: Ron Warnick
I'm the editor and publisher of Route 66 News, a clearinghouse of events, information, and entertainment pertaining to historic U.S. 66, the Mother Road.
Dan Aykroyd, James Belushi to perform next month at Old Joliet Prison
Dan Aykroyd and James Belushi will perform at the Old Joliet Prison in Joliet, Illinois, on Aug. 19 as part of an elaborate Blues Brothers Con at the historic site. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Joliet Area Historical Museum, reported The Herald-News. “He [Dan Aykroyd] made a significant donation of his time to … Continue reading Dan Aykroyd, James Belushi to perform next month at Old Joliet Prison
“The Great Muslim American Road Trip” begins airing today on PBS-TV
The three-part series "The Great Muslim American Road Trip," which shows a couple exploring their America's Muslim roots during a road trip on Route 66, begins today on PBS-TV. A previously reported description of the series: The series follows rapper Mona Haydar and her husband Sebastian Robins as they explore the U.S. “Mother Road” and … Continue reading “The Great Muslim American Road Trip” begins airing today on PBS-TV
Evan Stern’s “Vanishing Postcards” podcast features Route 66
If you have about 40 minutes to spare, I recommend you listen to this "Vanishing Postcards" podcast that features Route 66. Evan Stern's production features a number of prominent Route 66 figures. Here's a description of the podcast: The name Route 66 has a certain kind of magic. For some, it calls to mind images … Continue reading Evan Stern’s “Vanishing Postcards” podcast features Route 66
One of Logan County’s oldest bars rechristened as The Lodge Off 66
A bar about six miles north of the nearest alignment of Route 66 in Lincoln, Illinois, recently landed new owners and was rechristened as The Lodge Off 66. But the tavern contains some historical cachet that likely will make it attractive to Route 66 travelers, not including just its name. The Lodge Off 66 sits … Continue reading One of Logan County’s oldest bars rechristened as The Lodge Off 66
Schifferdecker Golf Course in Joplin celebrates its 100th anniversary
Members of the community and local golfers marked the 100th anniversary of the Schifferdecker Golf Course along Route 66 on the west side of Joplin, Missouri. The ceremony Wednesday included a ribbon-cutting, speeches, lemonade and free rounds on the par-71, 18-hole, 6,123-yard course, reported the Joplin Globe. An anniversary tournament also was held last Saturday. … Continue reading Schifferdecker Golf Course in Joplin celebrates its 100th anniversary
TV station takes a look at renovations to the Boots Court motel in Carthage
The new owners hope to have the Boots Court motel in Carthage, Missouri, reopened by October after months of renovations on the historic Route 66 property. KSN-TV had some details about the work being done from Kim Bausinger, the motel's manager: While there has been repair work on the property a few times over years, … Continue reading TV station takes a look at renovations to the Boots Court motel in Carthage
Route 66 pedestrian underpass in Chelsea reopens to the public
The historic pedestrian tunnel under Route 66 in Chelsea, Oklahoma, recently reopened to the public after vandalism forced its closing about a year ago. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association made the announcement of the reopening of the underpass: The tunnel was refurbished in 2016 with a Route 66-style mural that spotlights Chelsea landmarks. The tunnel … Continue reading Route 66 pedestrian underpass in Chelsea reopens to the public
Fundraising campaign launched to repaint Road Runner’s Retreat neon sign near Chambless
The owner and advocates for the long-closed Road Runner's Retreat restaurant near Chambless, California, have launched an online fundraiser to repaint its neon sign. Those who donate $35 or more to the effort through GoFundMe.com will receive a T-shirt and a reproduction bumper sticker from the 1960s when the restaurant still was in operation along … Continue reading Fundraising campaign launched to repaint Road Runner’s Retreat neon sign near Chambless
Archdiocese to mortgage iconic church in downtown Sante Fe to pay abuse settlements
The iconic Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico, will be mortgaged by the local archdiocese to help it pay off settlements to priests' sexual abuse victims. Archbishop John C. Wester laid out the plan in a letter to parishes earlier this month, reported the Albuquerque Journal. The Cathedral … Continue reading Archdiocese to mortgage iconic church in downtown Sante Fe to pay abuse settlements